Department for Transport

Hammersmith Bridge: Closures

lord birt: To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Vere of Norbiton on 7 January (HL105), what discussions they have had with Transport for London about the Well Managed Highway Infrastructure Code of Practice with regards to the closure of Hammersmith Bridge.

baroness vere of norbiton: The Department for Transport has not had any discussions with Transport for London about the Well Managed Highway Infrastructure Code of Practice specifically regarding the closure of Hammersmith Bridge.

Department for Education

Erasmus+ Programme and Horizon Europe

baroness randerson: To ask Her Majesty's Government what level of future involvement for the UK in Erasmus and Horizon programmes they hope to establish after leaving the EU; what has been the financial contribution by the UK to those specific programmes in each of the last five years; and how much has been awarded, in total, to the UK from those programmes in each of the last five years.

baroness berridge: This government values the strong collaborative partnerships that we have across Europe in the areas of science, education, research and innovation and want to continue to support these opportunities. The terms of the Withdrawal Agreement mean that the UK will continue to participate in EU Programmes financed by the 2014-2020 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) until their closure. Horizon 2020 and Erasmus+ are EU programmes financed during this MFF period.UK organisations, scientists, researchers and businesses will be able to continue in these programmes and receive EU grant funding until the end of 2020 and for the lifetime of individual projects. We will continue to collaborate with the EU on scientific research and education and we’ve been clear that where it is in the UK’s interests, we will seek to participate in some specific EU programmes, such as Horizon Europe and Erasmus+. The Political Declaration agreed with the EU in October 2019 demonstrates a shared intent between UK and EU leaders to agree a framework that supports collaboration in science and innovation. The shape and content of EU programmes post-2020, including Horizon Europe and Erasmus+, are currently being negotiated in the EU Institutions and have not yet been finalised. These EU programmes must be adopted by the EU before any potential formal negotiations on association could begin. As a Member State, the UK does not contribute financially to specific programmes. Member States pay for participation in EU framework programmes through the general UK contribution to the EU Budget. The following table indicates the amount of Horizon 2020 funding awarded to UK organisations:Year (grant signature)Horizon 2020 funding awarded (excl. Euratom Research & Training)[1]2014€ 394 million2015€ 1,477 million2016€ 1,344 million2017€ 1,074 million2018€ 1,069 million2019€ 820 millionTotal€ 6,179 million[1] Data source: European Commission, https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/horizon-dashboard - accessed 14/01/2019. Accessed 14/01/2019Please note totals of the table will not be accurate due to rounding. With regards to Erasmus+, the most up-to-date information on funding results is held by the UK National Agency which is attached and can be found at the following link under ‘Statistics for the UK 2014-2018’: https://www.erasmusplus.org.uk/statistics.   



HL341_PDF
(PDF Document, 649.63 KB)

Post-18 Education and Funding Review

the lord bishop of winchester: To ask Her Majesty's Government which, if any, recommendations from the Post-18 Education and Funding Review they plan to implement; and what is the intended timescale for implementation.

baroness berridge: We want to ensure we have a joined-up education system that is accessible to all and encourages the development of the skills we need as a country. Philip Augar and his independent panel have made thoughtful recommendations on tuition fee levels and loan repayment, the balance of funding between universities, further education, apprenticeships and adult learning, and we are considering all these recommendations carefully.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Iraq: Islamic State

lord alton of liverpool: To ask Her Majesty's Government when they intend to respond to statements by victims of Daesh genocide provided by Lord Alton of Liverpool; what assessment they have made of such statements; and what assessment they have made of the adequacy of the process in Iraq for witness statements from such victims for the purposes of criminal trials.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: We regularly raise these concerns with the Iraqi governmental and judicial authorities – reiterating the importance of respect for international standards of due process and fair trial. We also raise our opposition to the death penalty in all circumstances as a matter of principle. Separately, we continue to support the UN Investigative Team to Promote Accountability for Crimes Committed by Daesh (UNITAD) in Iraq. UNITAD is expanding its engagement with witnesses, survivors and impacted communities – implementing advanced witness protection and support so that even the most vulnerable members of society in Iraq feel able to come forward with their accounts.Foreign & Commonwealth Office officials have been in contact with you to confirm the details of this correspondence. This has now been logged in our internal system and you will now have received a reply.

Middle East and North Africa: Young People

lord hylton: To ask Her Majesty's Government what programmes they run, or intend to run, in (1) the Middle East, (2) North Africa, (3) Turkey, (4) Iran, and (5) Afghanistan, to work with young adults from those areas; and what plans they have for ministerial visits to focus on issues which affect such young adults.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: Her Majesty's Government supports a wide-range of Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) funded programmes benefitting young adults. For example, in Turkey we have helped train young politicians and civil society representatives in democratic participation. In Tunisia and Egypt, we have helped young people build skills to access jobs. In Jordan we have supported implementation of the Government’s Youth Strategy. In Afghanistan we have supported economic development and job creation. More information can be found on the gov.uk website. We do not comment on future Ministerial visits for security reasons but Ministers raise these issues with their international partners on a regular basis.

Iran: Demonstrations

lord taylor of warwick: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of Iran’s reported use of violence against protestors in Tehran on 12 January.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: ​We are aware of reports of violence used against protesters in Tehran on 12 January. We unreservedly support the right to peaceful protest and call on Iran to uphold its commitments under international law to protect freedom of assembly and speech.

West Bank: Health Services

baroness tonge: To ask Her Majesty's Government what representations they intend to make to the government of Israel about reports that the only vehicle available to a medical team that provides assistance to 1,500 Palestinians in the West Bank has been confiscated by Israel.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: Free movement of patients and medical personnel is vital to the effectiveness of care in the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPTs). Ambulance and permit delays can lead to missed appointments and interrupted treatments, endangering the health and lives of patients. That is why we need a lasting peace agreement which ensures that all those who are in need of medical attention have access to healthcare provisions. We have made clear to the Israeli authorities the importance of medical assistance being available to Palestinians, most recently on 30 October 2019.

Palestinians: Recognition of States

baroness tonge: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they intend to raise the legal status of Palestinians in international law by recognising Palestine as a state; if so, when; and if not, why not.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: While we are clear that we want to see the creation of a sovereign, independent and viable Palestinian state - living in peace and security, side by side with Israel. The UK will recognise a Palestinian state at a time when it best serves the objectives of peace and the two state solution. Bilateral recognition in itself cannot end the occupation. Without a negotiated settlement the occupation and the problems that come with it will continue.

Hong Kong: World War II

lord craig of radley: To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have for the UK to be represented by a minister at any of the ceremonies in Hong Kong that will commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the liberation of Hong Kong in 1945.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: The 75th Hong Kong Liberation day ceremony will be held at Sai Wan Cemetery on 31 August. We are not aware of any plans for official events to mark the anniversary.

Egypt: Detainees

lord hylton: To ask Her Majesty's Government when they last made representations to the government of Egypt about the indefinite detention and access to medical care of (1) Essam El-Haddad, (2) Gehad El-Haddad, and (3) other prisoners held without charge or trial in Egypt; and what response they received.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: ​We regularly raise our human rights concerns with the Egyptian authorities, particularly around detentions and prison conditions. We continue to urge the authorities to ensure that all detainees are treated in accordance with relevant international human rights standards. For example, during Egypt's Universal Periodic Review in November 2019, we called upon the Egyptian Government ensure access to medical care and family visits in prisons and to release all those detained for exercising the right to freedom of expression. Our Ambassador in Cairo last raised the specific cases of Essam El Haddad and Gehad El Haddad at senior level in July 2019.

Taiwan: Elections

lord steel of aikwood: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the outcome of the election in Taiwan; and in particular, of its impact on Hong Kong.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: The Foreign Secretary’s statement on 11 January noted that the presidential and legislative elections in Taiwan were testament to Taiwan’s vibrant democracy. He congratulated the people of Taiwan on the smooth conduct of those elections and to Dr Tsai Ing-wen and her party on her re-election. The Foreign Secretary expressed his hope that the two sides of the Taiwan Strait would renew dialogue to resolve differences and build constructive relations across the Strait.We have not yet made an assessment of the impact of the elections in Taiwan on Hong Kong.  It is clear, however, that many people in Hong Kong followed the elections with interest.

Lebanon: Politics and Government

the marquess of lothian: To ask Her Majesty's Government what meetings they have held since October 2019 to discuss the unity and stability of Lebanon in view of the continuing protests and violence throughout that country.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: The Minister for the Middle East and North Africa spoke to the Lebanese Ambassador to the UK on 24 October 2019. He also spoke with former Lebanese Prime Minister Hariri on 9 December 2019 about the situation. Members of the International Support Group for Lebanon – including the UK – met in December 2019. The group reiterated its support to Lebanon and was unified in calling for the swift formation of a Government capable of meeting the aspirations expressed by Lebanese and capable of delivering the urgently required economic reform; it also reiterated that the right for peaceful protest must continue to be respected. The UK's Defence Senior Advisor to the Middle East and North Africa visited Lebanon on 12 December 2019 and met with senior Lebanese authorities, including President Aoun, to discuss the current situation.

Department of Health and Social Care

Coronavirus

lord taylor of warwick: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the risk posed by a novel coronavirus to the UK.

baroness blackwood of north oxford: Based on limited available information on the transmission of the disease, the risk posed by the novel coronavirus to the United Kingdom population is considered low and the risk to UK travellers to China is moderate. This remains under review as more data emerges.This risk assessment was reviewed and agreed by New and Emerging Respiratory Virus Threats Advisory Group on 21 January 2020.

Treasury

Energy: Conservation

baroness jones of whitchurch: To ask Her Majesty's Government what proportion of the £9.2 billion funding to invest in the energy efficiency of homes, schools and hospitals announced in the Queen's Speech is new money that has not already been allocated.

the earl of courtown: The Government takes its environmental responsibilities very seriously and is committed to meeting net zero by 2050. Any spending decisions are for future fiscal events. This year’s Budget and Spending Review will confirm multi-year budgets including those commitments made in the Queen’s speech. We are considering what further fiscal and other policy measures are needed to meet our net zero target and HMT Net Zero Review will be looking at how to pay for net zero over the course of this year.